Exclusive: Secret ‘legal PEDs’ revealed by UFC 314 star Hailey Cowan
Hailey Cowan reveals an insightful thought about training in elevation ahead of her UFC 314 bout in Miami, Florida.
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Hailey Cowan comments on 'legal PEDs' ahead of UFC 314 (Image via UFC.com)
UFC 314 in Miami remains one of the most anticipated fight cards of 2025. The fight card features rising stars to veteran contenders with a highly anticipated main event. After a frustrating two-year hiatus plagued by injuries, Hailey “All Hailz” Cowan is finally ready to step back into the Octagon at UFC 314 in Miami.
Speaking with The Fight Analyst of FirstSportz, Cowan revealed a renewed focus, a refined approach to training, and a burning desire to make up for lost time. Her camp at Pound for Pound Muay Thai in Denver has UFC star Miranda Maverick, and the guidance of Justin Houghton all the time. The altitude in Denver has also played a crucial role in Cowan’s training, which has a special characteristics.
The altitude is like a cheat code. It’s like a PED that’s legal. My motto always is start fast, start fast, finish strong. It’s always been that. And so, um, you know, as, as you get older, you have to look for ways to supplement your training in ways that allow you to implement that game plan.
Hailey Cowan via Exclusive FirstSportz interview
There have been many examples of fighters benefiting from training in altitudes. Last year, Brandon Royval, who trains above 8000 ft, didn’t fatigue when he fought Brandon Moreno in Mexico City (known for high altitude). Meanwhile, Moreno struggled with the pace, and eventually lost the bout. Some fans even felt Moreno was washed due to his performance in the final rounds.
As such, Hailey Cowan will certainly feel confident when she faces Nora Cornolle at UFC 314. Ring rust is a big part of MMA if a fighter remains out of competition for more than a year. However, Cowan’s training at the altitudes could help her combat any ring rust that she faces.
After all, the bantamweight fighter felt such training as a legal form of PEDs. Not many fighters can come back from a two-year long layoff and contend for the title again. With much confidence in her training, Cowan aims to return with a bang in the Miami PPV card.
Hailey Cowan reveals game-plan for UFC 314
Originally scheduled for UFC 315 in Canada, the fight was moved forward to UFC 314. Such a preponement might cause concern for a fighter. The UFC’s decision has shortened Cowan’s camp. However, she sees this as a blessing in disguise.
Cowan admitted that she was always getting injured, and a short camp could benefit her at UFC 314. The bantamweight star felt that a longer camp would require more intensity, and she didn’t want her body to get hurt. Facing the No. 13 ranked Cornolle, Cowan is determined to make a statement.
I want to be that fighter that when you fight me, you might know that you’re going to beat me. Even at, maybe you’ve seen the future and you’re not going to beat me, but you know, they’re going to be 15 minutes of absolute suck. And so that’s, you know, that’s what I plan to do. I plan to drag her into muddy waters and hopefully drown her there.
Hailey Cowan via Exclusive FirstSportz interview
With a renewed sense of purpose and a healthy dose of determination, Hailey Cowan is ready to unleash her full potential at UFC 314. The bantamweight star is ready to strike and grapple with Cornolle. Her opponent is someone really skilled in the striking department. Cowan will enjoy a small advantage in height, but both female fighters have the same reach.
Cornolle has a significant strikes percentage of 60.32 percent, but does not have a good base in grappling. Cowan sees this as a potential path to victory, potentially even hoping to finishing her opponent in the fight. Only time will tell if the bantamweight star will have a ‘Mystic Mac’ moment for herself.
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